The weather might be miserable, but investing in a home treadmill means you don't have to put your 2022 fitness goals on hold – and there are some great deals around if you know where to look.
Demand for treadmills soared at the start of the pandemic, as many of us tried to limit time spent outdoors and avoid the sweaty confines of a crowded gym. Many treadmills from big brands were completely out of stock, with new machines snatched up as soon as they arrived in warehouses.
Thankfully, though, there are still some retailers with treadmills available to deliver right now, and we've rounded up all the best deals available right now, with expert advice to help you choose the right one.
The best treadmill deals in the US
- Shop for treadmills at Walmart
- Shop for treadmills at ABT Electronics
- Shop for treadmills at Best Buy
- Shop for treadmills at Amazon
The best treadmill deals in the UK
- Shop for treadmills at Argos
- Shop for treadmills at John Lewis
- Shop for treadmills at Fitness Superstore
- Shop for treadmills at Amazon
Treadmill buying advice
How should I choose a treadmill?
When you're choosing a treadmill, the key factors to consider are the amount of space you have available, your budget, and your workout goals. Olivia Neely, personal trainer at Starks Fitness (currently sharing home workout videos at starksfitnessgym on Instagram), gives the following advice:
Budget
The range of costs of a treadmill is vast, therefore it’s important you get the best quality treadmill for your budget. Consider the following; How often do you plan to use it? How much space do you have? Does it need to be brand-new or can you go for second-hand? Do your expectations match your budget? Remember, a sizable piece of kit like a treadmill is an investment.
Specifications
Ideally, you want one that offers a walk-and-run facility to maximize usage and training variations. Here’s a list of the basic specifications to think about:
Belt size: for running you need a belt size of 48-inch+ in length and 16-inch+ in width. If you’re tall, you may need even longer!
Speed and incline: To utilize training methods (walk, jog, sprint etc) you’ll need a treadmill that goes up to 10mph. You may also want to adjust incline settings to stimulate outdoor training conditions.
Control panels: Get a treadmill that is simple to use and offers easy-reach control buttons. Safety and efficiency go hand in hand.
Try before you buy [when possible]
It may seem obvious but testing out your new purchase will pay dividends in the end. Spend some time doing your research and get down to local fitness stores [when movement restrictions are lifted] to try as many as possible. Test for comfort, noise levels, safety and size.
How do you feel when you’re on it?
How do I use a treadmill with Zwift?
Zwift is a great addition to your treadmill training, connecting you with a community of runners and cyclists, and letting you pick from a variety of virtual courses to give your indoor training some variety.
To get started, all you need is a Zwift RunPod and the Zwift app. The RunPod is a cadence sensor that attaches to your running shoe and tracks each step. You can use just about any treadmill (Zwift has some handy recommendations for choosing the right one), but there's also an increasing number of smart treadmills that can connect with Zwift directly. Check out the full list of supported treadmills.
Can I hire a treadmill?
Absolutely. The right treadmill will serve you well for years to come, but if you only want one for what will hopefully be a few months of isolation, hiring one is an option that's worth considering. You can hire a great quality treadmill for under $30/£20 a week.
Treadmill hire companies all offer a range of different models, so the same considerations apply in terms of size, space, speed, and accessibility of controls. Demand is high right now, but hiring a treadmill isn't an option everyone is likely to consider, so it's well worth investigating.
Due to the logistics of delivering and collecting treadmills, the best way to find a hire company in the US is to search for one in your city or state. Some good options for the UK include Momentum Fitness Hire, Hire Fitness and Homegym.
- Check our our guides to the best running watches and running shoes
